US Congresswoman urges India to remove communication lockdown in IoK

WASHINGTON (92 News) – US Congresswoman and Representative for California Judy Chu on Tuesday urged India to remove communication lockdown in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK). Raising voice in favour of the innocent and oppressed Kashmiris, the US Congresswoman condemned the Modi-led government’s information and communication lockdown in IoK. Highlighting the restrictions, Judy Chu took to Twitter to urge India to lift curbs on communication in the occupied valley and “provide the citizens of [occupied] Jammu and Kashmir with the same rights as other citizens of India”.

As the world's largest Democracy, I urge India to demonstrate its leadership and lift restrictions on communications and provide the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir with the same rights as other citizens of India. 2/2

— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) September 9, 2019

“It’s been over a month since mobile phones and internet access were cut off in [occupied] Kashmir,” she wrote. “And one month in, many political leaders are still being held in preventive detention.”

It's been over a month since mobile phones & internet access were cut off in Kashmir. And one month in, many political leaders are still being held in "preventive detention." 1/2

— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) September 9, 2019

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump has once again offered mediation between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir issue. The US president said the relationship between Pakistan and India is less heated than it was two weeks ago. “India and Pakistan are having a conflict over Kashmir as you know. I think [it] is a little bit less heated right now than [what] it was two weeks ago,” Trump said. “I get along with both countries very well,” Trump said, adding “I am willing to help them if they want. They know that. That [offer] is out there,” he added. Curfew and restrictions – imposed from August 5 – have been further tightened to prevent Muharram processions in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) as normal life affected on the 37th consecutive day, today, (on Tuesday). The commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas of Srinagar were completely sealed with concertina wires placed at all entry points and two major arterial stretches, MA Road and Residency Road, to restrict public movement. Even ambulances and medical staff were not allowed to move. Indian troops drove around the city, announcing through loudspeakers that strict action would be taken against violators of curfew.